Monsters, Dark, and Other Scary Things…

Are your children ever scared that there are monsters under their bed?  Are they scared of the dark? Or do they have some other thing that scares them? 

We are all afraid of something at some time in our lives.  As we get older we learn to call upon God in our times of trouble and He will deliver us (Psalm 50:15).  This is an important thing for us to teach our children.  Here is an idea on how to do just that…

Next time your child says they are afraid of something lay a blanket on the floor and have them imagine they are putting that scary thing on the blanket.  Then explain to them about how God takes away all of our worries if we give them to Him.  Then carefully wrap up the blanket of troubles, take it to the window and pray to God to take them away (as you are praying for this, swoosh the blanket out, as if to let the troubles go up to God).  Then explain to your child that God has their problems now and they no longer have to worry about them.  God loves them that much…that He took all their worries away!

Stay tuned for next month’s…

                          Bringing Christ into the Home.

Memories

                I strolled through the campus today, just to look back on the past 2 years.  I didn’t even get out of the office building and the memories started streaming through my mind, bringing a joyous smile to my face and even a few chuckles.

I remembered the Car Wash, Coffee and a Prayer, Back to School Parties (especially how the girls all kept giving me hugs to try to get me to be as wet as they were after playing water balloon volleyball and enjoying the Splash Pad), Diaper Drive assembly line, and Live Nativity all while walking through the parking lot.

As I came to the Community Life Center, I remembered VBS, the Congregational Christmas Dinner Theater (including Mallory falling off the risers, and Doug and Paul’s little dance to the kid’s ditty),  playing Strobe Ball with youth from the community attending Youth Inc., and the men and kids playing basketball on ESPN 3 nights.  When I got back in the hallway I remembered the amazing Prayer Walk and the impact it had on me.

As I continued my stroll I remembered all the wonderful nights at Family Faith Formation, the Lent Suppers (where I got more visiting done than at any other time of the year – what a joy), and all of the crazy announcements I have made.  I just have to laugh at myself…and appreciate your enjoyment of my craziness as well.  Oh yeah…what about the Women’s Bible Studies, the Middle School Retreats and all of the painting we did in the Sunday School and High School Rooms to make the area more inviting for our children and youth.  The list could go on and on.

I also remember all of the amazing support you have given me over the past two years.  You cried with me when my sister died, celebrated with me as my wedding quickly approached, surprised me by having moved me and Mike in to our new home, and supported me upon my recent surgery.  Some major things have happened in my life over these two years, and you have been by my side every step of the way.

This is discipleship at its best!  Every one of my memories are great examples of discipleship.  It took all of us working together with God’s help to make these things happen.  I believe the thing I will remember most about Good Shepherd is how all of you work together to truly be God’s disciples.  You have shown me God’s love in so many ways, and have truly become my family.  I don’t think I will ever find another place where I will feel the warmth and love that you have shown me.  Thank you for everything…you cannot imagine the gift you have been to me!  I will miss you more than you may ever know.

Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… (Matt. 28:19).”  All of you, working together as the children of God, and many of you all on your own, are doing this.  Whatever you do,   continue to let the joy of the Lord shine through you to others.  You are an amazing blessing to me and many other people.

May God Bless you on your never ending journey to make disciples for Him!

With great sincerity and love,

Deaconess Jessica Feldmann

 

Celebrations

 

Good Shepherd has many wonderful things to celebrate.  Here are a few things that we are thankful for this month:

†    The 16 members that got together to serve the community through a Car Wash/Check, serviced 18 vehicles.  This is a great increase compared to last year!  Great Job!

†    Three of our High School youth went to the National Youth Gathering in New  Orleans and grew in their faith as a result.

†    We have some of the teaching positions filled for JAM Time.

  

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For your child/youth to join the JAM

    We are so excited about  having your children and/or youth be a part of our JAM Time.  Please sign up your child with us in the back of church so we can order supplies for them. 

To lead a JAM session 

                            (time commitments may vary)

    We are still in need of 15 JAM leaders. Obtaining these leaders allows everyone to have smaller time commitments…so volunteer today and enjoy some JAM Time with us.

To enroll yourself into the Adult JAM Time

    Have you ever felt like your children know more about God than you do?  Well, Adult JAM Time will help you overcome that feeling.  By  joining Adult JAM, you are ensuring yourself that you will know just as much as they do because you will be studying the same lessons as they will, only in more depth.  Studying about  Jesus has just become something for the whole family to do together.  Call Jessica at 402-721-8412 for more information about different JAM Time opportunities!

 

 

                                              Back to School Party

August 15^th   12:30-3:00 p.m.

You’re going back to school…and now it is time to celebrate the wonderful summer that God blessed you with.  So join us for this year’s Back to School Party on August 15^th from 12:30-3:00 p.m.  We will have food, games, and yes, there will even be water balloon volleyball…and maybe my new favorite game that the youth going to the National Youth Gathering taught me.  Don’t forget to wear your       swimming suit with a shirt over it…I guarantee you, you will get wet!  See you then!